I love the Olympics! This year’s Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, are gathering athletes from more than 200 countries from around the globe to test skills, endurance, and preparation. Many great human interest stories usually emerge that give hope to everyone.

Will the Games bring the world closer together? I hope so. That is my prayer. When the final whistle sounds, however, it means the lazy days of summer are just about over, and it’s the time to get back in the educational groove.

Let me add another voice to those that welcome you to the lively atmosphere of HPU, where students from more than 100 countries around the globe gather to learn, grow, and strive to build a more peaceful world. I hope you are able to adjust to university life with grace and poise.

Let me add some suggestions to keep your spiritual edge sharp. Around the downtown and Hawai‘i Loa campuses are many churches and temples. Come by my office anytime (UB1506, phone 544-9394), or come to our regular Wednesday nondenominational chapel, noon to 12:30 at Warmer Auditorium (top floor of the library), and I will be happy to connect you with the closest house of worship of your faith. Or come to Sunday evening services (7:30) on the Hawai‘i Loa campus.

HPU also has an active Roman Catholic Student Association and an HPU Christian Fellowship group ready to welcome you and help you find a meaningful place in the HPU community. With the Lord’s strength any hurdle can be overcome. Have a great year!